Dr. Suman Kumar

Orthopaedic Surgeon
Specialist in Trauma,
Fractures, Pain Management,
Hand Surgery & Joint Replacement

Fractures: Understanding and Management

A fracture is the condition where a bone is broken. A fracture can be complete or incomplete, and it can occur in different way in different person. For example, it can be hairline, undisplaced or can be completley displaced; it can be in two pieces or in multiple pieces. Fractures, often referred to as broken bones, can be a daunting experience, but with the right understanding and management, they can be effectively treated, allowing for a smooth recovery. Let’s delve into what fractures are, their types, and how they are managed. Simply put, a fracture occurs when there is a break or crack in a bone. This can happen due to a variety of reasons such as falls, accidents, sports injuries, or even underlying conditions like osteoporosis.

1. Closed Fracture: This occurs when the bone breaks, but the skin remains intact.



2. Open Fracture: Also known as a Compound fracture, this happens when the broken bone pierces through the skin. This type of fracture requires immediate medical attention to prevent infection.
   
   
   
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3. Complete Fracture: Here, the bone breaks completely into two or more pieces.
4. Incomplete Fracture:This occurs when the bone cracks but does not break all the way through.
5. Greenstick Fracture: Common in children, this fracture involves a partial crack in the bone, resembling the way a green twig breaks. (Pics: Green Twig break vs Greenstick fracture)



6. Comminuted Fracture: In this type, the bone breaks into several pieces.

• Pain at the site of the fracture.
• Swelling and bruising.
• Deformity or an abnormal appearance of the limb or joint.
• Difficulty moving the affected area.
• Sometimes, a grating sensation or sound at the site of the fracture.

1. First Aid: If you suspect a fracture, it’s crucial to provide immediate first aid. Immobilize the injured area to prevent further damage. You can use a splint, sling, or any sturdy material to keep the bone in place.
2. Medical Evaluation: Seek medical attention promptly. A healthcare professional will examine the injury, possibly order imaging tests like X-rays to assess the extent of the fracture.
3. Treatment Options:
   • Cast or Splint: For stable fractures, a cast or splint may be applied to immobilize the bone and allow it to heal properly.
   • Surgery: In some cases, especially with complex fractures or open fractures, surgery may be necessary to realign the bones and secure them with screws, plates, or rods.
   • Medication: Pain relievers may be prescribed to manage discomfort during the healing process. In the case of open fractures, antibiotics are often given to prevent infection.
   • Physical Therapy: After the initial healing phase, physical therapy may be recommended to regain strength, flexibility, and mobility in the affected area.
   • Follow-Up Care: Regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider are essential to monitor the healing progress and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.

While some fractures are unavoidable accidents, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk:

• Wear protective gear during sports and recreational activities.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D to keep bones strong.
• Take precautions to prevent falls, especially for the elderly.

In conclusion, fractures can be challenging, but with proper management and care, most individuals can recover fully and regain normal function. If you suspect a fracture, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention promptly to ensure the best possible outcome. We provide the best treatment for all types of fractures. We have the facility of Digital X-ray for the diagnosis of the fracture. CT-scan facility is also available here which we advise in case of complex fractures. If needed, certain tests (which we do with utmost safety and precaution) are conducted by us before surgery to know the fitness of the patients . The hospital staffs are well experienced in their respective fields. The diagnostic tests are performed by well trained experts leaving no scope for any error..

When you break a bone, it’s scary, but there are steps we can take to help it heal properly. Let’s break down what you need to do:

1. First Aid:
   - If you think you’ve broken a bone, try not to move it too much.
   - Use something sturdy like a piece of wood or a magazine to keep the broken part still.
   - Go to the doctor or hospital as soon as you can.
2. Doctor’s Checkup:
   - A doctor will look at your injury and might take some pictures (like X-rays) to see how bad it is.
   - They’ll decide on the best way to help your bone heal.
3. Treatment Options:
   -Putting on a Cast or Splint: Sometimes, they’ll put a hard covering around the broken area to keep it from moving. It’s like a super-strong bandage!
   -Surgery: If it’s a really bad break, they might need to do an operation to put the bones back in place.
   -Medicine: They might give you something for the pain or to stop any infections.
4. Getting Better:
   - You might need to rest a lot, and maybe even use crutches or a wheelchair if it’s hard to walk.
   - Later on, you might see a physical therapist who can teach you exercises to make your bones stronger again.
   - Keep going to checkups with the doctor to make sure everything’s healing like it should.
5. Staying Safe:
   - Try to avoid doing things that might break your bone again, like risky sports without proper gear or being careless on slippery surfaces.
   - Eating healthy foods with lots of vitamins and minerals can help keep your bones strong.

Dr. Suman Kumar, Orthopaedic Surgeon,
Aster Speciality Clinic, Ajman